Thai coup leader rules out elections for at least a year

May.31 - Bangkok residents react to the announcement from Junta leader that process of reconciliation between political factions and reform following coup will take one year. Natalie Thomas reports.

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It's been just over a week since Thailand's military declared a coup, but the Thai people have now been told it will be a whole year before democracy returns
The coup's leader General Prayuth Chan-Ocha said on Friday the country needs reconciliation between political factions before a general election will be held
The delay isn't welcomed by everyone
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) A DOWNTOWN RESIDENT IDENTIFYING HERSELF AS 'MAY' SAYING;
"Too slow (to hold election after a year). I want it sooner than this because it has been delay for too long, for several month."
Some say the latest coup highlights the deep political divisions between those who support the Royalist establishment and those backing former premier Thaksin Shinawatra
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) UNIDENTIFIED MAN SAYING;
"We have different ideas even between friends here. So we don't talk (politics) here. Otherwise we talk and fight."
Despite martial law and a ban on gatherings, small protests against the military take-over have been held almost daily in Bangkok
Soldiers sealed off the victory monument on Friday, preventing anyone from gathering
The ban on protests is likely to be further tested over the weekend as activists plan a show of opposition

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